The Ichikowitz Family Foundation and South African National Parks (SANParks) launched a new, state-of-the-art aerial surveillance solution to save South Africa's rhinos. Ivor Ichikowitz, who is also executive chairman of Africa's largest privately held defense and aerospace company, Paramount Group, handed the Seeker Seabird a unique specialist reconnaissance aircraft to David Mabunda, CEO of SANParks. The aircraft incorporates highly sophisticated surveillance technology such as thermal imaging that will deliver more enhanced and powerful observation capability. The plane shows high degree of flexibility in terms of utilization, use of operation and reliability. It is capable of flying at high altitude and at slow speeds with 270 degrees visibility. It can be forward positioned on short dirt strips and requires very limited logistical support.

Such sophisticated technology is welcome in the fight against rhino poaching, however its effectiveness is yet to be put to the test. Identifying potential poachers is one thing, deploying staff to intercept them, especially at night, is another matter.

Systems like these have been employed in the private sector for a couple of years now uav's are very effective in combatting poachers, they are expensive to maintain and need a central control unit/room from here all are deployed...

We pitched to SANPARKS a year ago but the system was to rich for their blood, hope that the new one will be on par and help them in their struggle..